Backyard ultras aren’t won by the strongest runner. They’re won by the runner who can manage their mind hour after hour. In this episode, I break down the five most common mental traps backyard runners fall into and exactly how to avoid them so you can stay in the race long after everyone else is breaking.

You’ll learn why thinking too far ahead destroys your focus, how comparison steals your energy, and why treating normal discomfort like an emergency leads to early taps. We also cover the danger of the “early comfort lie” and how skipping nutrition or maintenance in those first few hours can torpedo your entire race. And finally, I explain the infamous exit narrative. The mental story your brain builds to convince you it’s okay to quit and how to shut it down with clear, predetermined rules.

If you want the full written guide with actionable fixes for all five traps, grab your free copy of The Top 5 Mental Traps Backyard Runners Fall Into.

Remember: the goal isn’t perfection. It’s staying mentally steady enough to give yourself a real chance. Just one more hour.

Takeaways

Backyard ultras are primarily a mental challenge.

Runners often mentally tap out before they physically can.

Focusing on the present moment is crucial for endurance.

Comparing yourself to others can lead to unnecessary doubt.

Catastrophizing discomfort can derail your race.

Early comfort can lead to neglecting nutrition and hydration.

The mind creates convincing narratives to justify quitting.

Having a predetermined list of reasons to stop can help.

Training your mindset is as important as physical training.

Staying in the game is key to achieving your goals.

👉 Don’t miss the next yard. Hit Follow on The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset.

⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a quick review. It helps more runners find the show and keep going when they want to stop.

📲 Connect with me on Instagram → @onemorehourpodcast

📩 Got a story about going one more? I’d love to hear it. Email me at → theonemorehourpodcast@gmail.com

🎁 Freebie → 5 Mental Traps Backyard Runners Fall Into (and How to Fix Them)

⭐️ Learn more about working with me on my website

How's a Backyard Ultra Different if I Run it Self-Supported or with a Crew? Advantages, Disadvantages & How to Prepare

In this episode of The One More Hour Podcast, we break down one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in a backyard ultra: running self-supported vs. running with a crew.

I walk you through the real advantages and disadvantages of both approaches, what to discuss with your crew before race day, how to set up your camp, how to prepare for mental low points, and how to make your turnaround time as efficient as possible, whether you have support or not.

If you’re training for your first backyard, planning a big 2026 goal, or wanting to go farther than you ever have before, this episode gives you the structure, strategy, and practical tips you need.

Inside this episode:

• Why backyard ultras are uniquely accessible for first-time ultra runners
• The hidden advantages of running self-supported (and the pitfalls to expect)
• How to stay organized, efficient, and mentally focused when you’re solo
• The biggest benefits a crew can give you — and the risks of choosing the wrong people
• How to prep your crew for “the dreaded loops”: sunset, 3–5 AM, and the first quit attempt
• What your crew needs to know about you, your goals, and your communication style
• Essential pacing considerations for crewed vs. solo athletes
• How to structure your setup so you don’t DNF because of logistics
• The mental strategies every backyard runner needs in their toolkit

Mentioned in this episode:

✨ Duff Dog Backyard Ultra – October 2026

Use code JaciWilson25 for 25% off through Nov. 30

(Gorgeous course, amazing race director, great aid, and a true family-feel backyard. I’ll be running it!)

Work with me:

If you’re thinking about running your first backyard ultra or you want coaching to help you go farther than you have ever gone before, you can apply for coaching here or message me on Instagram @onemorehourpodcast

Chapters

00:00 Podcast Intro

00:50 Introduction to Crew vs. Self-Supported

02:15 The Appeal of Backyard Ultras

06:43 Crew vs. Self-Supported: The Debate

08:03 Advantages of Being Self-Supported

12:00 Disadvantages of Being Self-Supported

17:34 If You are Self-Supported, do these things!

28:06 Preparing for Race Day: Tips and Tricks

31:58 Navigating Dehydration and Self-Support Strategies

37:09 The Importance of Asking for Help

37:56 Advantages of Having a Crew

45:55 Disadvantages of Having a Crew

54:15 Effective Communication with Your Crew

58:57 Pacing Strategies for Self-Supported vs. Crew Runners

01:01:53 Be Prepared

01:03:37 Show notes and links

👉 Don’t miss the next yard. Hit Follow on The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset.

⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a quick review. It helps more runners find the show and keep going when they want to stop.

📲 Connect with me on Instagram → @onemorehourpodcast

📩 Got a story about going one more? I’d love to hear it. Email me at → theonemorehourpodcast@gmail.com

🎁 Freebie → 5 Mental Traps Backyard Runners Fall Into (and How to Fix Them)

⭐️ Learn more about working with me on my website

Nutrition during backyard ultras or last man standing races is one of the most important elements of training and of the race. HOWEVER, it's one of the things that runners struggle with the most when it comes to ultramarathons.

Why? Because everyone is different, you are out there for a LONG time, AND with backyard ultras/last man standing races, you have limited time to problem solve GI issues, dehydration, and other nutrition problems before needing to continue running.

What you should eat and drink, how much, and when can seem intimidating and overwhelming. That's why we're chatting with The Endurance Nutritionist, Kayla Fitzgerald, on today's episode.

Kayla is a registered dietitian, ultra runner, race director, and nutrition expert who has helped hundreds of runners nail their nutrition strategy for their training and their races.

In this episode we discuss the intersection of nutrition and running, particularly in the context of ultra marathons and backyard races. Kayla shares her unique journey to becoming a dietitian, her experiences in running, and the importance of community in trail running.

The conversation delves into practical fueling strategies for ultra marathons, considerations with protein and carbs, how to not bonk, the mental aspects of running, and the significance of personalized race day nutrition plans. Listeners will gain insights into how to approach nutrition for endurance events, the value of being adaptable in their fueling strategies, and how Kayla can help you with a race day nutrition strategy that is made for YOU.

We also discuss Kayla's perspective on being the race director of Palmetto Ultras, a race series (and group trail runs) in Charleston, South Carolina. Hallucination Trail Race is her next upcoming race! Run for 6hrs, 12hrs, 24hrs, or 34hrs!

Thank you Kayla for coming on the show!

KAYLA'S LINKS

Kayla's Instagram (@the.endurance.nutritionist)

Kayla's website

Palmetto Ultras on Instagram

Palmetto Ultras website

👉 Don’t miss the next yard. Hit Follow on The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset.

⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a quick review. It helps more runners find the show and keep going when they want to stop.

📲 Connect with me on Instagram → @onemorehourpodcast

📩 Got a story about going one more? I’d love to hear it. Email me at → theonemorehourpodcast@gmail.com

🎁 Freebie → 5 Mental Traps Backyard Runners Fall Into (and How to Fix Them)

⭐️ Learn more about working with me on my website